Spoon Album: “Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga”

(Ga X 5)offers a logical progression in Spoon's already impressive discography. If critics level any criticism at this new album, most likely it will involve damning Spoon's consistency because there aren't any geniune surprises on this album. Well, so what? I consider their ability to put out one satisfying album after another surprise enough. They've found their niche---oblique, angular, and aurally textured pop-rock---and I think they're wise to stick to it.

(Ga X 5) successfully offers a hybrid of the sounds from the last few albums (Kill the Moonlight and Gimme Fiction) and as usual you can detect the often-noted influences ranging from the Kinks to Wire to, yes, Van Morrison (give "The Underdog" a spin to hear the VM influence.) Granted, the disc is short, clocking in at just over 30 minutes, but this is also in a way a sign of the band's restraint. They know what they do well, and here they're at the zenith of their powers. Even the odder, more difficult and cubist tracks in the record's middle dintinguish themselves as worthy slow-burners after repeated listens.

In short, definitely one of their best discs. You won't be disappointed. I hope they continue making discs like this for many years to come.

With the release of "Gimme Fiction" in 2005, I was convinced Spoon had made their masterpiece. It was the perfect combination of previously established elements: the sketch-like song structure and wild experimentation of 2002's "Kill the Moonlight" coupled with the flat-out cathartic pop of 2001's "Girls Can Tell." The songs (penned by vocalist/guitarist Britt Daniel) were simple and direct, yet imbued with an intensity of emotion not often found in modern music (or at least not as genuinely). The record was Daniel's shining moment as a songwriter; his definitive musical statement, one I thought he'd struggle to re-create throughout the rest of his sure to be long career. I never dreamt in a million years that he'd somehow surpass it. Especially on the follow-up album.

"Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga" is that culmination, a record of monumental emotional depth that also manages to genuinely rock. While listening to tracks like the Jon Brion produced "The Underdog," it's apparent that Spoon is yet again breaking new ground, opening up their sound and exploring new territory while still adhering to the tried and true "Spoon" philosophy: simple and direct song-writing that packs an emotional punch. If you're tired of the vacuous music populating today's airwaves then give "Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga" a spin. You won't be disappointed.

They found it in commercial appeal this time. Spoon is a band of singular vision whose idiosyncracies should actually make them one of the biggest bands in the States. Sadly, another straight classic will largely be ignored by the public. "The Underdog", "Finer Feelings", and "Don't You Evah" are hooky singles that deserve heavy radio rotation and ringtone ubiquity. Do us all a favor, buy, listen, love.

Spoon-Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga *****

Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga was easily tied for album of the year in 2007 with Radioheads In Rainbows. Not only was this Spoons first album to get popular recognition, but it is also their best. While they may have hinted at greatness before, it wasn't until the release of Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga, that the masses saw what some of us had known for a long while. Bridging the gap between indie, post-punk, and pop all at the same time Spoon have created a style almost all their own, and Ga is their best example of this.

The only other group that I can even stretch to compare to Spoon is The Fratelis, and as I said that is a stretch, a real big one. Their songs are cheerful, even if the message is gloomy, as in 'The Underdog' the albums lead single and possible strongest track. 'The Ghost Of You Lingers' boarders on brilliant while 'My Little Japanese Cigarette Case' contains some of the best lyrics written this side of Bob Dylan's Modern Times. 'Don't You Evah' is seriously British with a hint of soul, and a splash of funk for good measure. The song contains one killer groove as brought on by bassist Rob Pope.

Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga is with out a doubt one of the strongest albums to come along in the last twenty years, and is a close runner for the best album to come out since 2000. I'm glad Spoon has finally reached the masses, I just hope the success doesn't go to their head and ruin the great music they have been making all these years.

But the big question: What is on the bonus disc. This is from the comments:

Brian Bonenberger says: Bonus Disc "Get Nice"

Tracklist:

I Got Mine

Be Still My Servant

Leave Your Effects Where They're Easily Seen

I Summon You (Cool)

Mean Mad Margaret

Love Makes You Feel

You Got Yr. Cherry Bomb

Tasty Fish

Dracula's Cigarette

1975

I Can Feel It Fade Like An AM Single

Curfew Tolls

The disc is 22 minutes long and contains instrumentals, demos and alternate takes. The "Cool" version of "I Summon You" is great and makes the bonus disc worth it.